Rafael Crivellaro returns to Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal sign foreign defensive duo of Jordan Elsey and Jose Pardo

Indian Super League outfit Chennaiyin FC have roped in Brazilian midfielder Rafael Crivellaro ahead of the 2023-24 season. Crivellaro becomes their third foreign signing of the transfer window.

It is like homecoming for Crivellaro who plied his trade for Jamshedpur FC in the latter half of the season where he scored two goals and registered four assists in 13 matches across competitions. However, he had a good outing in the Super Cup for the Men of Steel, where he netted two goals and provided as many assists in three games.

The 34-year-old will be looking to play a major role in Owen Coyle’s team. He can be the main man in midfield pulling the strings for other foreign signings like Connor Shields and Jordan Murray.

Interestingly, Crivellaro was the captain of the Marina Machans in the 2020-21 season and is a fan favourite. He was a massive part of the Chennaiyin FC team that finished runners-up in the 2019-20 season under Owen Coyle. The Brazilian registered seven goals and provided eight assists in a sensational season. Fans will be hoping nothing less than that as Coyle and Crivellaro both return to Chennaiyin FC.

“I’m very proud to put on the blue jersey once again and also excited to be reunited with Owen Coyle. I’m very aware of the challenge that’s ahead of me and I will give my everything to give the fans what they deserve,” Crivellaro said after returning to the club.

In 34 matches, he has scored eight times while providing 11 assists in his four-year stay in the ISL.

On the other hand, East Bengal FC have snapped up two of their foreign defenders to strengthen their backline. Australian defender Jordan Elsey and Spanish centre-back Jose Antonio Pardo Lucas have joined the Red and Golds.

Born in Adelaide, Elsey has plied his trade for clubs like Adelaide United, Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory. He won the A-League title with Adelaide United back in the 2015-16 season. He also won two Australian Cups in 2018 and 2019 during his stay at Adelaide United before moving to Newcastle Jets.

After putting pen to paper, the tough tackler said, “It’s a great honour for me to sign for this historic club. I am looking forward to meeting my teammates and having a successful season. I can’t wait to play in front of our fans about whom I’ve heard so much. Joy East Bengal!”

Meanwhile, Pardo who hails from Spain has plied his trade for many Spanish lower-division clubs. He has featured in over 70 La Liga 2 matches. He was pivotal in helping his team Eldense get back promotion to La Liga 2 after 61 years. The 35-year-old centre-back has a lot of experience and will look to lead the backline for the Red and Golds.

Head coach Carles Cuadrat was very happy with the signings as he believes that the defenders will help them gain success in the upcoming season. “In Elsey and Pardo, we have two experienced central defenders who will be a great asset to help us to be consistent in our defence. A good defence is essential to a team’s success, and with both in our fold, we feel that our defensive line will be a solid one,” he stated.